Abstract
In recent years, the study of parental sense of competence has become increasingly relevant in the field of family intervention. However, despite the importance of the protective task carried out by foster carers, research into parental competences is still scarce among non-kin foster families. The main purpose of this paper is to explore non-kin foster carers' sense of parental competence and analyze its determinants and predictors in non-kin foster families. The sample comprised 48 Spanish non-kin foster families and the children in their care. The results indicate that non-kin foster carers perceive themselves as highly competent and moderately efficient, and feel very satisfied with their parental role. Variables related to parental competence were identified among the characteristics of non-kin foster carers, foster children and some circumstances related to the way the foster care was constituted. The regression analysis identified the predictors of parental sense of competence, role satisfaction and perceived effectiveness among non-kin foster carers. The regression data identified carers' responsiveness, children's behavioral problems, and evolution during foster placement as the main determinants of parental sense of competence in the non-kin foster families in our study. In addition to opening up new perspectives in fostering research, in terms of intervention, the results reported here will also help improve and adapt the support and professional advice given to non-kin foster families.